Cafeteria Congregations

[Guadalupe]

From my husband:
Cafeteria Congregations

Some of the mainline congregations who were once known as Christian have voted to accept homosexual unions and active homosexuality in leadership positions. They pick and choose Bible verses that suit them and make excuses for the rest as though they are in a cafeteria or buffet line. When they become Cafeteria Congregations, they can no longer be truly Christian as they are sad examples of 2 Timothy 4:
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Nothing less than full Biblical doctrine allows us to be truly and fully Christian 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Active homosexuality and homosexual unions are not Biblical. Both the Old and the New Testaments state clearly that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Both the Old and New Testaments condemn active homosexual relationships.

There are those who were once homosexuals but who are now celibate, seeking to love God alone. They have abandoned the sinful life of homosexuality and have truly embraced the teaching of God in His Bible. They no longer make excuses for their unnatural lusts. Instead, these individuals prove that grace allows a true conversion of heart and life. They have embraced the True Word of God and no longer run after death through sin by following abominable fleshly desires. They have "made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake". (Jesus describes these individuals in Matthew 19: 11-12.) See also Romans 8:5-11 and Colossians 2:13.

Here are some verses for your study to begin. As you search the Bible diligently, feel free to offer more verses in this thread that support marriage as a union of a man and a woman and that clearly show the sin of homosexuality.
Biblical i.e. Christian Marriage is between a man and a woman
• Genesis 2:24
• Jesus Himself, the Son of God, teaches marriage as between man and woman in Matthew 19:5 and Mark 10:6-9
• Ephesians 5:31

Homosexual relations are sinful and an abomination
• Genesis 19:4-5 and Jude 7
• Leviticus 18:22-24 and 20:13
• Romans 1:26-27
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 7:7-9

2 Timothy 3: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

[Guadalupe]

Presbyterian Church USA has sanctioned homosexual unions last week. Now congregations are leaving Presbyterian Church USA for more conservative branches.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Break-Away Presbyterian Congregation Sues To Retain Property Ownership

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported yesterday that the Sheboygan County, Wisconsin First Church of Oostburg has filed a state court lawsuit against the Presbyterian Church USA in a bid to retain ownership of congregational property in the wake of its vote last week to disaffiliate from the Presbyterian Church USA and join the more conservative Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. The Church of Oostburg's vote to disaffiliate came just days ahead of the decision at the Presbyterian General Assembly to allow clergy to officiate at same-sex marriage ceremonies and to redefine marriage as a covenant between "two people". The Presbyterian Church wants the Oostburg congregation to pay $500,000 in order to keep the property.
religionclause.blogspot.com/2014/06/break-away-presbyterian-congregation.html?m=1

[Guadalupe]

Will the United Methodist Church succumb to the homosexual lobby in their ranks and vote to remove these fundamental articles (below) in their Book of Discipline? Let us pray for them to hold firm to Biblical truths.

Regarding the ministry of the ordained

¶ 304.3: The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. View full statement.

¶ 341.6: Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.

¶ 2702: Chargeable Offenses
Regarding United Methodist funds

¶ 613: The [conference council on finance and administration] shall have authority and responsibility to .... ensure that no annual conference board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality or violate the expressed commitment of The UMC "not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends" (¶ 161F). View full statement.

¶ 806.9: [The General Council on Finance and Administration] shall be responsible for ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall give United Methodist funds to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to promote the acceptance of homosexuality or violate the expressed commitment of The United Methodist Church 'not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends' (¶ 161F). View full statement.
(From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church — 2012. Copyright 2012 by The United Methodist Publishing House. Used by permission.)
www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-the-denominations-position-on-homosexuality

[Guadalupe]

UPDATE:

PC(USA) is more reflective of the world than of Christ
A votes observer in the latest convention says the action taken by the Presbyterian Church's General Assembly is reflective of what is happening in the nation.

The biggest move during the convention was the church's endorsement of same-gender "marriage," but the gathering also refused to pass a resolution to denounce the practice of killing babies born alive during abortions and spend two years reflecting on the plight of unwanted children, including babies in the womb.

"The so-called Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is certainly far from any biblical conscience when it comes to any issues of morality," laments Michael Marcavage of Repent America. "And the rejection of this motion to publicly condemn this behavior just shows the great depth of depravity and apostasy within the so-called church."

He submits that the denomination reflects the world more than it does the Christian faith.

"They claim to be representatives of Christ but are nothing more than false teachers; they're wolves that are not even wearing sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15)," the evangelical contends. "So it's grievous, but it's just another sign of the times and where we're at as a nation in the embracing of all kinds of immorality."

Though a few conservative, Bible-based members have been trying to steer the denomination back to Christ, the PC(USA) continues to lose membership.

- See more at: www.onenewsnow.com/church/2014/07/04/pcusa-more-reflective-of-the-world-than-christ#.U7qkpo1dXs4

[Guadalupe]

A call to repentance and a return to Biblical church discipline for those congregations who have abandoned Biblical teaching.

Woe to those who call evil, good and good, evil. Isaiah 5:20-21

The way of sin leads to death; the way of obedience leads to life Matthew 7:13-14

Only those who hear and obey God's Word will have life. Matthew 7:21-23

Jesus gave us the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Matthew 7:24-27

You will reap what you sow. Proverbs 22:5; 11:19-21 and Galatians 6:7-8

No one can serve two masters - God will not accept a double life. Matthew 6:24

God detests hypocritical worship coupled with ungodly living. Jeremiah 7:1-29

God rejects the worship of one who is living in sin. Proverbs 15:8; 15:29; 21:27; 28:9

We are warned not to fall away from our walk with the Lord. Hebrews 2:1-3; 6:4

Those who have known the Way but go on sinning are warned of the consequences. Hebrews 10:26-31

One who has known the Way but turns away from the Lord will receive greater condemnation. 2 Peter 2:20-22

Jesus rebukes the congregation that does not remain faithful to Biblical discipline. Revelation 2:14-16

Jesus commends the church who is faithful to Biblical discipline Revelation 2:2

[Brother Randy]

Amen, Once again thank you for taking the time to share these verses.

[Guadalupe]

Jul 14, 2014 7:24:03 GMT -5 Brother Randy said:

Amen, Once again thank you for taking the time to share these verses.

Thank you, Br. Randy. Feel free to add to the verses and insights.